Marathon Petroleum Corp: Students take flight with Challenger Learning Center of Alaska

The Challenger Learning Center of Alaska is providing out-of-this-world adventures to students in Alaska as part of its space mission simulations. The center aims to inspire students to look beyond the ordinary, image the unattainable and answer those seemingly impossible questions through the pursuit of higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Marathon Petroleum’s Kenai refinery provided a grant to fund 25 classes for Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s 5th and 6th grade students, part of a long partnership with the Challenger Learning Center. Students put their formal education to the test on simulated space missions in the mission control room designed after NASA Johnson Space Center and an orbiting space station.

“In order to thrive and grow, students need to be given the opportunities for collaboration, teamwork and hands-on activities,” said Marnie Olcott, CEO of the Challenger Learning Center. “These mission simulations allow them to work through challenges and solve problems using STEM disciplines.”

The Challenger Learning Center of Alaska offers in-person and virtual lessons for individuals, classes and adults.